Getting started

I will be starting my first portrait next week. It will be a portfolio piece. I have been in the prep stages of getting going; buying all necessary paints, supplies etc. I hate having to spend money as I still have my mortgage due but am taking a calculated risk that my home will sell anyways. This portrait should take 3-4 weeks to complete. It is going to be an arduous task if I may say so but should be rewarding when finished.
I woke up the other morning early and was thinking about how to approach painting this. My mindset has gone from managing in newspapers to painting. That is good. Mentally and emotionally I have made this transition. Physically I can do it but do need to take better care of my body as it is important.
I received some much needed criticism from someone whom I respect strongly on some pieces of mine. It makes me realize that I often will seek shortcuts but in doing, each portrait must be done professionally. I shouldn't seek shortcuts if they don't fit the piece.